Should You Strip Porch Stain Before Painting?

Why Stripping Is Necessary

• If the paint or stain on your porch is crackling, peeling or flaking and you simply put a new coat of paint over it, you will still see the damage underneath. Also, the new coat of paint will soon begin to crack. One of the best ways to ensure that the job will last when you repaint your porch is to strip the existing finish and start from scratch. Paint will adhere better to clean wood than to layers of old paint or stain.

Methods of Stripping

• You have three different ways to strip the existing finish from your porch before you repaint it: sanding or grinding, applying heat and using chemicals. Sanding or grinding can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive project, but it takes care of two problems in one step: It removes the old paint or stain and smooths the surface of the wood for a clean start. Using heat to remove paint can be effective, but there is always a risk of fire when using this method. Chemical strippers are not always good for the environment, but they get the job done quickly and are fairly easy to use.

How to Strip Porch Stain

• Speak to the professionals at your local home improvement store to determine which stripping method is best for the type of finish currently on your porch. Other factors, such as the age and condition of the wood, should also play a role in selecting a stripping method. If you choose a chemical stripper, apply the stripper as directed and wait until it begins to bubble all over the surface of the wood, usually between 20 and 30 minutes. Scrape away the paint with a paint scraper, and repeat the process as necessary. If you use a sander or grinder, hook it up to a vacuum hose to collect the dust, and wear a face mask to protect yourself. When using the heating method of stripping paint or stain, look carefully for embers that could turn into a fire, and do not heat one area long enough to burn the wood.

Tips for Painting a Porch

• Once you have stripped all the existing paint or stain from the porch, you may need to go over the surface with a sander, removing rough patches to create a uniformly smooth surface. Paint scrapers may leave grooves or scratches in the wood and, if you do not sand these areas down, your paint job may turn out uneven. After sanding, apply a coat of primer and allow it to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. Once the primer has set, apply your first coat of paint. You may choose to add a second coat of paint or even a protective varnish if your porch is not covered.